The International Conference on Radiation Protection in Medicine: Setting the Scene for the Next Decade was held 3-7 December 2012 in Bonn, Germany. It was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), co-sponsored by WHO, and hosted by the Government of Germany through the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The Conference had the specific purpose of identifying and addressing issues arising in radiation protection in medicine, and aimed to:
indicate gaps in current approaches to radiation protection in medicine;
identify tools for improving radiation protection in medicine;
review advances, challenges and opportunities in the field of radiation protection in medicine; and
assess the impact of the International Action Plan for the Radiation Protection of Patients in order to prepare new international recommendations, taking into account newer developments.
Without doubt, the application of ionizing radiation and radioactive materials in diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic procedures in medicine is beneficial for hundreds of millions of people each year. However, employing radiation in medicine has to involve a careful balance between the benefits of enhancing human health and welfare, and the risks related to the radiation exposure of people. There is a need for a holistic approach which includes partnership of national governments, civil society, international agencies, researchers, educators, institutions and professional associations aiming at identifying, advocating and implementing solutions to address existing and emerging challenges; as well as leadership and co-ordination of activities and procedures at an international level. Participants from 77 countries and 16 international organizations attended the Conference. An important outcome was the identification of responsibilities and the elaboration of a proposal for priorities for stakeholders regarding radiation protection in medicine for the next decade. This specific outcome is the Bonn Call for Action.
The objectives of the Bonn Call for Action
strengthen the radiation protection of patients and health workers overall;
attain the highest benefit with the least possible risk to all patients by the safe and appropriate use of ionizing radiation in medicine;
aid the full integration of radiation protection into health care systems;
help improve the benefit/risk-dialogue with patients and the public;
enhance the safety and quality of radiological procedures in medicine.
The Bonn Call for Action highlights ten main actions that were identified as being essential for the strengthening of radiation protection in medicine over the next decade. The actions are not listed in order of importance.
Action 1: Enhance the implementation of the principle of justification
Action 2: Enhance the implementation of the principle of optimization of protection and safety
Action 3: Strengthen manufacturers’ role in contributing to the overall safety regime
Action 4: Strengthen radiation protection education and training of health professionals
Action 5: Shape and promote a strategic research agenda for radiation protection in medicine
Action 6: Increase availability of improved global information on medical exposures and occupational exposures in medicine
Action 7: Improve prevention of medical radiation incidents and accidents
Action 8: Strengthen radiation safety culture in health care
Action 9: Foster an improved radiation benefit-risk-dialogue
Action 10: Strengthen the implementation of safety requirements globally